Miss You: A Novel

"If ever a couple was ‘meant to be,’ it’s Tess and Gus. This is such a witty, poignant, and uplifting story of two lives crisscrossing over the years, with near miss after near miss. . . . I couldn’t put it down." — Sophie Kinsella

For fans of One Day in December, The Flatshare, and This Time Next Year, a wryly romantic debut novel that asks, what if you just walked by the love of your life, but didn’t even know it?

"TODAY IS THE FIRST DAY OF THE REST OF YOUR LIFE." Tess can’t get the motto from her mother’s kitchen knickknack out of her head, even though she’s in Florence on an idyllic vacation before starting university in London.

Gus is also visiting Florence, on a holiday with his parents seven months after tragedy shattered their lives. Headed to medical school in London, he’s trying to be a dutiful son but longs to escape and discover who he really is.

A chance meeting brings these eighteen-year-olds together for a brief moment—the first of many times their paths will crisscross as time passes and their lives diverge from those they’d envisioned. Over the course of the next sixteen years, Tess and Gus will face very different challenges and choices. Separated by distance and circumstance, the possibility of these two connecting once more seems slight.

But while fate can separate two people, it can also bring them back together again. . . .

“Today is the first day of the rest of your life.” Tess can’t get the motto from her mother’s kitchen knickknack out of her head, even though she’s in Florence on an idyllic vacation before starting university in London.

Gus is also visiting Florence, on a holiday with his parents seven months after tragedy shattered their lives. Headed to medical school in London, he’s trying to be a dutiful son but longs to escape and discover who he really is.

A chance meeting brings these eighteen-year-olds together for a brief moment—the first of many times their paths will cross as their lives diverge from those they’d envisioned. Over the course of the next sixteen years, Tess and Gus will face very different challenges and choices. Separated as they are by distance and circumstance, the possibility of these two connecting once more seems slight.

But while fate can separate two people, it can also bring them back together again. . . .

“Debut novelist Eberlen develops two wonderfully distinct storylines, but her characters are carefully connected by proximity and circumstance….Eberlen’s characters are so real and deserving of love—thankfully it’s safe to root for them both, and root for them you will.” - Kirkus

“Captivating. . . . a compelling story. . . . This episodic, detail-rich narrative breeds suspense as readers grow eager to learn if fate will ever allow these two lost souls—who often feel trapped by the elusive nature of love and happiness—finally to find each other.”   - Shelf Awareness

“Hugely enjoyable romantic comedy with a great premise . . . . Thoroughly deserving comparison with David Nicholls’ One Day (and I don’t say that lightly), this is commercial fiction of the very highest order.” - Alice O'Keeffe, The Bookseller (UK)

“I adored this book: it is wildly romantic, heart-achingly sad, warmly funny and really clever. Tess and Gus come from different sides of the social tracks, but share a tragic family history and a serial lack of luck in love. There are numerous points at which they might meet but don’t - and right to the end you’re kept wondering. . . . It’s been widely compared to One Day and deserves to do just as brilliantly.” - Daily Mail (UK)

“Brilliantly constructed, with wonderful characters you’ll be cheering on, this romantic story is full of poignant moments, has a huge heart and a massive feel-good factor. Engrossing and entertaining.” - Sunday Mirror

“An unashamedly romantic novel, but one that also deals with the ongoing and deep-seated effects of grief. Both intricate and engrossing, its real pleasure lies in Eberlen’s assured writing with its level of detail and rich characterization.” - Sunday Express (London)

“Eberlen . . . excels in creating realistic characters whom readers will adore-including Tess’ unusual sister, Hope; Tess’ sassy best friend, Doll; and Gus’ impulsive college pal, Nash. Eberlen also shines at keeping the story moving through 16 years of friendship, purpose, and love. Swoon-worthy.” - Booklist (starred review)

“Eberlen’s marvelous debut novel captivates and immerses. . . . This worthy, wonderful, and witty read is a must-have for all romantics who believe in hope.” - Library Journal

“If ever a couple was ‘meant to be’ it’s Tess and Gus. This is such a witty, poignant and uplifting story of two lives criss-crossing over the years, with near-miss after near-miss...I couldn’t put it down.” - Sophie Kinsella

“MISS YOU is utterly charming, engaging, moving, a story which is both wonderfully romantic yet also true to life. The perfect summer read.” - Kate Mosse, author of Labyrinth